Tensions boiled over between Chris Finch and longtime NBA referee Tony Brothers during the Minnesota Timberwolves Game 3 loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
Following the game, Finch criticized Brothers’ conduct and described the referee’s interactions with him during the fourth quarter as unacceptable.
The disagreement began when Finch attempted to call a timeout with just over five minutes remaining in the game to avoid a broken offensive possession.
Although the timeout was eventually granted, Finch was upset by the delay.
“I [told him], ‘I want my three seconds back,’” Finch explained afterward. “He clearly heard me [call a timeout]. He looked my way, ignored me, went on with the play. Almost cost us a turnover.”
After the whistle, Brothers reportedly walked toward Finch near the bench area before Naz Reid stepped between them.
Finch said the situation escalated further when he later asked where the inbound pass would take place.
“He lost it,” Finch said about Brothers.
Chris Finch Says Tony Brothers Was 'Completely Unprofessional' During Game 3 Confrontations https://t.co/9ZoyOS4UUM
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 9, 2026
